New Delhi: Even as India battles South Africa in the ongoing ODI series, former captain and star opener Rohit Sharma is preparing for a surprising return to the T20 format. According to a report by the Times of India, Rohit is likely to represent Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) knockout stages, starting December 12 in Indore.
Rohit had announced his retirement from T20 internationals last year after guiding India to the T20 World Cup title. However, he has expressed strong interest in playing competitive domestic T20 cricket ahead of India’s next limited-overs commitments.
Mumbai Cricket Association Confirms Interest
A senior MCA official revealed:
“Rohit has informed us that he wishes to play the knockout matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Mumbai.”
India’s ODI series against South Africa ends this Saturday, leaving Rohit free to join the domestic tournament scheduled from December 12 to 18.
Mumbai on Track for Knockout Qualification
Mumbai, placed in the Elite Group A, has dominated the league stage with four consecutive wins—defeating Railways, Vidarbha, Andhra, and Assam. Their spot in the knockouts appears almost secure.
The team also features T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube, who will join the national squad for the South Africa T20I series.
Rohit’s Historic T20 Legacy
Rohit Sharma holds a special place in India’s domestic T20 history.
- He became the first Indian to score a T20 century during the 2007 SMAT, smashing 101 against Gujarat.
- Across 463 T20 matches, Rohit has amassed 12,248 runs, including 8 centuries and 82 fifties.
- In international T20s, he scored 4,231 runs in 159 matches before retiring after India’s world-title triumph in 2024.
If Mumbai qualifies for the knockouts as expected, fans may once again see Rohit Sharma lighting up the T20 stage—this time in domestic colours.
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